Thats my lucky charm, Alice murmured quietly. I never go anywhere without it. And that little girl in the photo? Thats me, darling. Dont you recognise me?
Incredible Daniel whispered, staring at his wife as if shed just pulled a rabbit from the teapot.
Before they tied the knot, Alice and Daniel didnt live together. Alice had visited Daniels bachelor flat now and then, but at every suggestion she move in, shed always found a reason not to.
Lets just wait, shed say, as if reciting from the manual of English restraint. Wouldnt want to upset Mum. You know what shes likevery old-fashioned. Practically stuck in the Copper Age.
And so Daniel waited
At long last, his lovely bride finally moved her things into his flat.
Naturally, this meant Operation Clean-Up commenced immediately. And, of course, she had to arrange her own bits and bobs. The whole affair took several days and quite a few cups of tea.
Alice was in a bit of a rush. Christmas was coming up, and she wanted to make sure their first proper holiday together went off without a hitch.
Daniel, do you have a Christmas tree? she asked, just in case hed gone all Grinch on her and shed accidentally buy another.
Hang on, Ill check on top of the wardrobe. There must be something up there. Mind you, I honestly cant remember the last time I put it up.
Daniel climbed on a chairAlice was far too short to reach the top shelfand tugged down a rather battered plastic tree. And with it fell a photo album, hitting the floor with the sort of drama usually reserved for TV soaps.
Oh, how fascinating! Lets have a look, Alice cooed, plopping onto the floor and opening it to reveal a collection of ancient, yellowed photographs.
These are school photosId completely forgotten about them, Daniel admitted, sinking down beside her.
School photos? Marvellous! I wonder if theres anyone I know? Observing that she did happen to attend the same school as her husband, albeit about seven years after him.
Doubtful. Why would any of your chums be in my album? You lot were still playing with dolls, probably.
Still, its interesting. Same old school, after all
They began flicking through the photographs. Daniel supplied running commentaryodd teachers, daft incidents, scandalously bad haircuts.
Ten years gone, he marvelled, and it still feels like yesterday.
Well, of course. Happiest days of our lives and all that, she replied, rolling her eyes in good humour.
Ooh, look! Father Christmas! Alice exclaimed, suddenly pointing to a photo.
Ah Thats me, Year 11. Our form tutor nagged me for a month until I agreed to be Santa for the school Christmas do.
And whos this? Alice pointed at a little girl next to Father Christmas, staring up at him as if she didnt quite buy the beard.
That? I havent a clue. I remember, after the party, I was half out of the costume when the Deputy Head popped in and begged me to put it all back on and listen to this girl. Apparently she hadnt had her chance to recite a poem and bag a present.
And did you?
Well, what could I do? Poor mite looked absolutely devastated. So I donned the beard, hat, and everything all over again.
Do you remember what you gave her?
Honestly, not at all. I was handing out pressies left, right, and centre that day.
Look, Alice said, dashing over to her desk and returning with a well-loved, chestnut-brown teddy bear that had long stood guard by her computer. Does that ring any bells?
Daniel stared at his wife, clearly trying to piece together the worlds most wholesome episode of Who Do You Think You Are?
Thats my lucky charm, Alice repeated softly. I never spend a night without it. And that little girl in the photoit really is me, sweetheart. Dont you remember?
Incredible Daniel managed, looking at Alice as if shed just turned water into tea.
I was in Year 3, Alice began, just before Christmas. Id been so poorly that Id missed nearly three weeks of school. Didnt help with any of the party prep. Went straight in just for the Christmas tree. Everyone else was having fun, dancingmeanwhile, I sat on a chair feeling like an uninvited plus one. I even had a bit of a cry.
The Deputy Head spotted her, along with her watery eyes. Consolation followed, then Alice was led off on a mysterious detour.
Wait here, the Deputy had said. Something magical is about to happen.
Away she went, leaving Alice standing alone in a drafty corridor. Suddenly, out popped Father Christmas from behind a door, asking her to recite a poem.
Through tears, she managed a few lines. Santa patted her on the head, reassured her everything would be all right, and handed her the teddy she now cherished. Then, just as suddenly, he vanished.
So you see, Daniel, she finished with a wry smile, youre my personal Father Christmas. Whod have thought?
For a good while, they simply sat together, arms around each other, marvelling at how strangely life weaves its threads.
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